Personal hygiene can be a sensitive subject to bring to a class of students or to explain to your children. It is important to transmit good hygiene practices from the earliest years, to prevent tooth decay, infections and other health problems. Your child or student should also feel comfortable discussing this topic with you, especially as their puberty stage begins. At this point, most teens need to change their personal hygiene habits. There are several ways to teach this subject. In most cases, you need to explain how germs work, develop a hygiene plan, and make it fun. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Teaching Personal Hygiene to Children
Step 1. Explain the concept of germs and bacteria
Some parenting magazines suggest that it can be done through books. You can do a search and find various books that deal with the topic in an easy and comprehensive way. You can also do a miniature science experiment in which you show your child either with a video in the classroom or with microscope slides the typical bacteria present on the hands.
- You can also find some videos on You Tube, or visit different sites online to find out about the hygiene recommendations currently in progress. They may have changed since you were a child, as new bacteria are always being discovered.
- To actively demonstrate how germs move, try the plaster experiment with your child. Get a box of powdered chalk and dip your hand in it. Shake hands with a child and ask him to shake hands with other children in turn. All of them will have chalk dust on their hands, all coming from the initial handshake! Explain that germs also spread in a similar way. This visual exposure can be more effective than any words in helping you show the problem to your children.
Step 2. Teach the children the 6 steps of hand washing immediately after explaining the germs
You should wet your hands, apply soap by lathering, scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, rinse and dry. You can use your own bathroom or large school bathroom for this activity.
Teach children a 20- or 30-second song to sing while washing their hands. A song like "Happy Birthday" or "Let's hunt the caterpillar" can help them rub their hands for the appointed time. Sing with them the first few times
Step 3. Have the children or students list as many times as they need to wash their hands
He talks about the need to take a bath every day, linking it to the experience of hand washing. Point out all the places germs like to hide and the best way to clean yourself with soap and water.
You can tell students where and how to wash, or you can use the Socratic method. You can ask them where they think germs can grow and the best way to get rid of them. Encouraging a casual hygiene conversation usually creates a more comfortable environment
Step 4. Set up a dental hygiene lesson plan
The best way is to ask a dentist to personally come and speak to the class. It is advisable to distribute toothbrushes, toothpaste and tablets for the detection of plaque.
- You can also perform these classes at home with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and tablets. These items are available at major dental offices to aid in good cleaning. Sometimes letting children choose their own toothbrush encourages them to brush their teeth. Children often respond best when it comes to something that involves choice.
- Let the dentist explain the germs in the mouth and how they can be harmful. The physician should tell students where they are hiding and how to get rid of them with a twice-daily flossing and brushing routine.
- Have the children pick up their toothbrush while a 3-minute song plays. This is the ideal time recommended by most dentists to brush your teeth. Ask students to brush them as the song plays, and then spit into the sink.
- Then invite them to chew the dental tablets and rinse. Then, ask them to look in the mirror. Areas where plaque is still active in the mouth will be dyed blue or red, demonstrating how careful we need to be when brushing our teeth.
- Repeat this activity at home if you think your baby is not brushing his teeth enough. Make the action fun by washing them with him and singing a three-minute song he likes.
Step 5. Set a lesson to repeat at each flu season
It shows how colds and bacteria are transmitted and teaches children to cough into their arm, wash their hands and avoid sharing germs through food or objects.
Part 2 of 2: Teaching Personal Hygiene During Puberty
Step 1. Pay attention to changes in the baby's body and smells
As it goes through the puberty stage, it usually starts to have stronger body odor. Talk about this with him in a private setting as soon as you feel the change.
- Addressing the topic as soon as possible will help your child understand what he is going through. Puberty can include mood swings, such as depression, and other children can be cruel if your child smells strongly.
- It may be necessary to explain that a daily shower is more important as you grow older, because puberty causes body odor. In addition, bacteria that form in the locker room or during sports activities require more careful washing.
Step 2. Buy your child's first deodorant
You can decide whether to add an antiperspirant as well. Tell him to use it every morning, usually after a shower, like you do.
Step 3. Talk to your daughter if she wants to start shaving her legs or armpits
While this is also a personal / family decision, some girls may feel embarrassed if they have dark hair and their other friends have started shaving. Show your daughter how you do it and buy a matching razor, or one she likes.
Step 4. Tell your child how to start shaving
You need to show him how to safely handle a razor. You will also need to explain that more facial hair will grow over time.
Step 5. Explain what menstruation is to a girl when she is about 8-9 years old
Every girl should know what to expect when it's time for her first period. Keep some sanitary towels on hand and tell her how and how often they need to be changed.
Step 6. Teaches hygiene for adolescents in a classroom setting, explaining the changes in the body during the stage of puberty
This can be done during a science class or in a separate context. Many schools choose to divide boys from girls during a sexology class and when explaining the need to maintain their own personal hygiene.
Advice
- If your child plays sports, encourage him to shower after strenuous exercise. Also, provide him with waterproof sandals to wear in communal showers. This can prevent athlete's foot and the transfer of bacteria from the locker room to the home.
- Tell your children to inform you if they feel bad. Many schools prevent students from attending class if they suffer from certain diseases. See a doctor if you feel it is necessary, and wait for the child to recover completely before returning him to school.
